Best 10-Inch Car Subwoofers [2018 Review]

Did you know that car subwoofers have been in existence from the mid-60’s? That’s right; and ever since then, this wondrous invention have evolved tremendously to what most audiophiles refuse to live without in their vehicles. In the course of their modification in the past decades, subs today come in various sizes.

The 10-inch subwoofers, which are the core focus of this write up, are one of the several other sub sizes available. Here, we will look at some of the best 10 inch car subwoofers in the market currently and additional information that will prove incredibly helpful to anyone interested in one of these savage devices.

Best 10 Inch Car Subwoofers

Our Pick: JL Audio 10W3v3-4

This is easily one of the best selling 10″ subwoofers anywhere; and to be a bit blunt, we wouldn’t expect any less from one of the best manufacturers in the industry. The JL Audio 10W3v3-4 10″ subwoofer brings to the table an amazing sound result that’s quite literally music to the ears.

In the face of louder, bigger competitors, this 10″ sub model stands out by delivering the single most important aspect a good majority of audio enthusiasts tirelessly search for; superior, clean and seamless sound waves.

In an attempt to deliver quality sound that its users so loyally deserve, the JL Audio 10W3v3-4 incorporates some of the best features in its small 10″ body.

First and foremost, its RMS handling power is 300 watts with a peak power output of about 600 Watts. From its RMS rating, it’s pretty evident that pushing this model hard may not a good idea. However, that power range is more than enough to give your cabin a good amount of thump any day.

What I particularly love about this JL 10 inch subwoofer is its clearly well-thought design. Its mineral-filled, polypropylene cone is carefully connected to its surrounding nitrite-butylene rubber using JL’s own Floating Cone Attach Method(FCAM). FCAM ensures the cone’s free movement for heightened responsiveness.

For heat mitigation, the sub incorporates JL Audio patented cooling technology (Elevated Frame Cooling design) which allows you to play longer without having to worry about frying its parts. It does so by passing a large volume of air over the voice coil and the sub’s heart as a whole.

Another impressive addition to this package is the Dynamic Motor Analysis System, a technology that works to improve bass production by making it more articulate. Finally, it also comes with a 25-250Hz frequency responsiveness, 4 Ohms impedance and patented vented reinforcement collar.

On the downside, owning the JL Audio 10W3v3-4 means sacrificing a big chunk of your savings; this sub also doesn’t take pressure very well. Pushing it too hard may cause dire damages.

Regardless, JL Audio 10W3v3-4 is equipped built to handle thermal damages, easy to install and made with utter sophistication; this might just be the best 10″ sub you ever own.

Bang For The Buck: Rockford Fosgate P3D2-10

Everybody hates to make a purchase that’s worth less than its market price tag; more so when it comes to something as heavy as a subwoofer.

With the Rockford Fosgate P3D2-10 Punch P3 DVC subwoofer, you need not worry about making an unworthy buy. This model is one of the few 10 ” subwoofers that are actually worth every single penny spent on them.

Straight out of the Rockford’s punch series, this model is quite honestly the best one yet. It allows you a unique taste of punchy articulacy that’s bound to knock you off your boots.

Power is the building core of any subwoofer and the P3D2 Rockford Fosgate Punch 10 inch subwoofer comes with a good amount of it. Its RMS rating comes in rather high at 500 Watts and a peak power rating of 1000 Watts. It also comes with a frequency response of 27-250Hz.

Looking at its design, it’s anodized aluminum cone has enough room to handle hard hits effortlessly (thanks to its Vertical Attach Surround Technique). More impressively, the cone acts as a heat sink that effectively draws heatwaves away from the voice coils. Its FlexiFit basket mounting pattern adheres to cone surface area increases without causing any issues.

Heat is a major threat is properly handled through its StampCast basket’s unique spider venting design. Further, this sub features high temp voice coils that drastically reduces chances of them frying under extremely high temperatures.

More feature includes a protective PVC textured magnet cover, stitched tinsel leads for improved performance and a fatigue resistant flexible lead wire design.

Other than the possibility of running into a few adjustment issues once installed, the Rockford Fosgate P3D2-10 is easily one of the best sub’s you’ll come across in the industry. If you want you a sub that will hit heavy thrums with ease and that’s worth your money in every way, look no further.

Runner-Up: JL Audio 10W0V3-4

Once again JL, through this product, proves that they never fall short of their preceding reputation. Engineered to incorporate a fusion of old and new technologies, the 10W0V3-4 – JL Audio 10″ subwoofer brings us another blow of top-notch JL performance and efficiency.

A quick scan through its customer reviews will tell you all you need to know about this remarkable 10″ subwoofer. Here’s a brief look at its features to explain why the 10W0V3-4 is rated high above its competing counterparts.

The JL Audio 10W0V3-4 brings you a handling RMS output of 300 watts and a peak power rating of 600 Watts. While this may seem rather low, this sub is surprisingly efficient with a high-value sound output.

By incorporating Dynamic Motor Analysis system, a signature JL feature, this sub is able to keep its motors linear and strikingly stable even when working under extreme pressure. This, as you would expect, results in significantly lower distortions and fewer glitches.

Its polypropylene cone has impressively long excursion characteristics will get this sub through the deepest of notes without any contortion. Its voice coil’s power handling is taken a notch higher by its patented elevated frame design that allows heavy airflow for cooling purposes.

For that cherry on top of the cake, the 10W0V3-4 has a unique metallic silver frame finish. Additional features include a 26-250Hz frequency response, 2″ high-temperature voice coil and a single 4Ohm impedance.

Although this it doesn’t come with a grill and its power RMS might prove a little disappointing, its overall merits outweigh these few shortcomings.

Its patented elevated frame design that minimizes possible damages, enough excursion room for its cone among other things make your experience with this JL 10 inch subwoofer worthwhile.

Shallow Mount Pick: Pioneer TS-SW2502S4

Shallow mount subs have been called the future of car audio system. And considering what Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 has to give, it is hard to disagree.

If you think your small car robs you the privilege of rugged sound tremors, you thought wrong. This sub gives you full range bass power in an incredibly small chassis.

Forgot the average sized 10 inch car subwoofers, the Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 will get you just as much efficiency but save you a headache that comes with trying to create room for your dream sound system in an already crammed cabin.

The Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 can effortlessly handle a power rating of 300 Watts and a peak of 1200 Watts. This compared to the fact that it only comes with a 3-1/8″ mounting depth is agreeably well over impressive. Its frequency response falls between 20-125Hz with a 4Ohm impedance.

Being rather small, this sub features an oversized cone structure to produce a louder, deeper and well-refined bass that its larger counterparts easily give off. The cone is also incredibly rigid thanks to MICA injected the molded resin.

You may not be able to work extreme power outputs with this sub. But that cannot beat the fact that you can fit this Pioneer 10 inch sub in a surprisingly small space and still get that power filled wave every time you turn this little monster on.

Also Great: Infinity Kappa 1000W

Sophisticated technologies threaten most people due to the unpredictability through which they operate. The Infinity Kappa 1000W 10inch subwoofer features new innovative engineering that sets it aside from the rest of the crowd.

The one thing that stands out with this sub is its selectable impedance enabled by its Selectable Smart Impedance design. With the flip of a switch, you can make your pick easily between 2 and 4Ohms impedance. The best part is that this all comes without complicated wiring. Pretty neat, right?

On top of that, it handles an RMS rating of 450Watts and a stunning 1800Watts for peak power. Its frequency response is between 24-300Hz which is also relatively high compared to other 10″ subs.

For boosted efficiency, detail levels and a heightened bass burst, its cone is glass-fiber made with a rubber surrounding. Heat dissipation may prove particularly problematic with this Infinity Kappa sub especially after prolonged playing periods.

Nevertheless, the switchable impedance makes configuration a piece of cake, its glass fiber cone means reduced distortions and its bass power is phenomenal. It is indeed one of a kind.

Also Great: Massive Audio SUMMOXL104

High-performance audio components have earned Massive Audio’s quite a reputation over the decades. As seen with the Massive Audio SUMMOXL104, these manufacturers clearly understand the dynamics encompassing music and audio components. This car sub gives you what can only be described as an all rounded sound experience.

The Massive Audio SUMMOXL104 comes backed by a heavy-duty, industrial textured cast aluminum basket. Its maximum power output is unbelievably off the charts coming at a staggering 1500Watts of RMS. Its peak power handling goes a step further coming in at 3000Watts.

I have to admit, this sub has one of the top power handling ratings within its price class. Its fiber reinforced non-pressed paper cone is backed with an industrial textured finish goes on to blow minds.

This powerful 10 inch subwoofer also has a fiberglass woven dust cap, a customized rubber gasket and heavy duty direct input wire connections to its voice coil. Finally, it has a 4Ohms impedance rating.

Sure, a more familiar label may feel a bit more comfortable for most people. But with such great capabilities and an astounding power RMS, I think an exception would be in order for this model.

Best Dual 10 Inch Car Subwoofer

Our Pick: Rockford Fosgate P1-2X10

When it comes to hitting those low frequencies like a boss, the Rockford Fosgate P1-2X10 10″ subwoofer is the perfect candidate.

This dual P1 punch series subwoofer is simply on another level given its avails a pre-built subwoofer system designed to do no less than impress.

By boxing up the promise of heavy bass for you, Rockford, as always, has simply brought its customers what I refer to as a next level type of fusion.

This dual subwoofer features two P1-2X10 10″ subs in an MDF enclosure. The 5/8″, low noise ported enclosure was developed using Rockford’s computer-aided design software for maximum efficiency and output.

It has single 2 Ohm coils, Kevlar reinforced paper cones and a semi-flexible PVC removable motor cover. The sub incorporates Vertical Attach Surround Technique (V.A.S.T) to give the core enough excursion space. The Rockford Fosgate P1-2X10 allows each of these subs an RMS output of 250Watts with a peak handling of 1000Watts. Its frequency response is just as good at 30-250Hz.

I find that most people would agree that a pre-built subsystem is simply genius; just think of all the work this bundle saves you. However, this dual 10 inch subwoofer requires a lot of care when pairing it up with an amp; an RMS mismatch could cause an unexpectedly rapid demise.

Best 10 Inch Car Subwoofers under $100

Our Pick: Rockford Fosgate R2

Even when you decide to go below $100, Rockford still has its legendary top quality products for you to fall back on.

Rockford Fosgate R2 Ultra Shallow 10-Inch sub has capabilities the putts it right on top of subs under this price range. But then again we wouldn’t expect otherwise from one of the industries top manufacturers.

As a shallow mount subwoofer, the Rockford Fosgate R2 comes packed with mad power at the depth of only 3-1/2″. This sub has a power rating of 200Watts, a peak of 400Watts and a frequency response of 45-250Hz.

Hitting hard notes comes easily to this sub owing its mica-injected polypropylene, poly-foam surrounded cone. It also comes with a solid steel frame for minimum vibrations. Its StampCast basket integrates spider venting designed for closed and vented enclosures. Its high temp voice coils are also another clever addition to this combination.

If you do not mind its low power rating, then nothing else will stop you from enjoying its CEA approved capabilities and at a good price too.

Also Great: Pioneer TSW261S4

At just a couple of dollars, get yourself decent subwoofer that is just enough to get you by. The Pioneer TSW261S4 includes some pretty incredible features that you wouldn’t expect at such an amazingly low price.

Its included the Pioneer’s IMPP Composite Cone structure that not only backs its bass quality, it also ensures durability and efficiency throughout its lifespan.

The cheap 10 inch subwoofer features a rigid single-piece basket reduces vibrations within the core for a more elaborate output. Last but not least, it features strategically placed ventilation holes for airflow to its heart and easier heat release.

Several customers have complained about its failure to work after a short time. Even so, a majority of customer feedback prove its efficiency. Not forgetting its unbelievable price tag. The TSW261S4 proves that even on a budget you can still have state of the art equipment.

Competition Grade 10 Inch Subwoofers

Most Powerful: Orion HCCA104

Now, this is what deafening power refers to; the Orion HCCA104 leaks of the baddest sound waves. Audio enthusiasts get giddy with the mere thought of handling this powerful 10 inch subwoofer thanks to its incredibly high power output. The Orion HCCA104 gets heads turning along the streets in acknowledgment of its might.

Well deserving of the first mention on this list of features is the power rating. This sub confidently delivers a shocking 2000Watts of RMS. That much power is enough to blow your head right off if matched with the right amplifier.

Its polypropylene cone gets a rubber tri-radius symmetrical surrounding to help it disperse this wave of knockout power. It incorporates enhanced voice coil cooling systems in its chassis not to mention dual flat convex spiders with stitched tinsel leads.

Notably, its copper wound voice coils are made to tolerate very high temperatures. For enthusiasts who don’t mind paying the big price that comes with a worthwhile sound system, the Orion HCCA104 is a highly viable option. Exceptionally mighty power is a guarantee with this sub.

Also Great: JL Audio 10W6v3-D4

The Also Great option under this category is the JL Audio 10W6v3-D4. Being one of the industry’s giants, JL brings to the table another product to show just how seriously they take bass. The JL 10W6v3-D4 is a well polished, high hitting and precise 10″ sub with a list of well thought and combined features.

Its mineral-filled polypropylene cone is well surrounded with rubber. A satin black cast alloy basket gives this sub sleekness that most of its counterparts lack.

Also, the power rating is impressive at 600Watts RMS backed by a peak handling of 1200Watts and frequency response falls in between 22-200Hz. You’re gonna get the most of this powerful sub by putting it in tight enclosures for those hard bass drops.

FCAM technology, vented pole vent airflow control, and its remarkable power RMS put the 10W6v3-D4 step ahead of competing parties. Its high price tag is totally worth it once all its capabilities are laid spread on the table.

Also Great: Earthquake Sound SubZero-10

Not only does it look different, it sounds different. Designed and engineered for better aesthetics, speed, clarity and bass produce, it is nothing short of perfection. Earthquake Sound SubZero 10-inch car subwoofer can handle 750Watts RMS at a 4Ohms impedance.

Its paper pressed composite cone comes in a composite foam surround for maximum sound release. Its Turbine Cooled Transducer technology is among the top designed heat dissipation technologies seen in subs. It also integrates the Parallel Series Parallel Terminal Block easy change from mono and stereo impedance shifts.

Its made from good quality materials that back its longevity even under the most extreme of conditions.
As expensive as it may be, its unique design, features and its overall power output more than makes up for it.

Also Great: Sundown Audio Z-10 V.4 D2

A very important fact about this sub is that it offers one of the lowest bass extensions yet. That, my friend, is why this sub falls into the hardest hitting 10 inch subwoofer category.

Sundown Audio The Z-10 V.4 D2 is one of the few subs that can be pushed to remarkable extremes and emerge without any serious damage to its components. If you are the kind of person who literally has no limits when it comes to sound, this sub was made for you.

Its power handling comes in tremendously high at 2000Watts RMS; this amount of power is the answer to most audiophiles prayers. It comes with a heavily vented magnetic gap, a high velocity vented frame spacer ring and an aluminum Faraday Ring Magnet.

It has a black aluminum voice coil former for easy thermal dissipation. It also comes with spring loaded terminals and stitched tinsel leads that are fatigue resistant. Finally, the Z-10 V.4 D2 comes in a high strength patented cast aluminum frame.

Mad bass hits accompanied by extremely low bass extensions are something out of a complete audio different level. When you pay for the Z-10 V.4 D2 – Sundown Audio, you pay for the powerful audio experience.

Benefits Of 10 Inch Subwoofers

As the name suggests, a subwoofer 10 inches in size agreeably makes a convenient addition to any car audio system. Why you may ask; the answer is simply the fact that these sub sizes are power packed but take very little of most car spaces.

Sure you may want to go a little bigger. Your car space, however, may not allow you to. In such a scenario, 10-inch subwoofers offer you a perfect solution without sacrificing the mighty boom that subwoofers are known and loved for all over the world. What’s more, these amps have a high responsiveness; it is especially good with country, rock and metal music.

Having said that, let’s get down to why these type of subwoofer may be the way to go. By understanding some of their benefits, it’s easy to see that 10-inch subwoofers have quite a lot to bring to the table.

Power, power and more power

Original car speakers, in most cases, can come in as a bit of a disappointment; especially for people who love their music with a whole lot of boom. The 10″ subs offer a powerful upgrade option with reproduction capabilities enough to blow you right off the roof.

With the correct installations, 10″ subwoofers come backed with just enough power to keep you well satisfied for a long time.

Refined responsiveness

While they may not be the largest subs in the market, 10″ subs have a high responsiveness to rapid music waves. Given their rapid nature, not many speakers bring out the best of metal music. With a 10″ however, you can be sure to rock your cabin.

Compatibility

Unlike some of its counterparts, 10″ subwoofers are rather small. Their compactness added to the fact that they are also significantly lighter makes them a piece of cake to work with.

As much as this sub’s small chassis promises ease of installation and use, it is no surprise that a good number of people are skeptical about its abilities.

Fortunately, its size does little to influence its output powers; 10″ subs are still some of the strongest components of even some of the most sophisticated car sound systems.

Larger Sound Range

I cannot emphasize enough on this subwoofer’s incredible responsive characteristic. This alone widens their reception when it comes to different music genres.

Whatever your music preference is, this type of sub has you well covered. They can handle even the lowest of frequencies pretty decently allowing its users to enjoy a diverse range of music choices with equal satisfaction.

What Makes A Good 10 Inch Car Subwoofer?

It would be a dire mistake to assume that any 10″ sub you come across can work for you. Different models come with different features and work distinctively for different tastes.

That said, it is essential to inspect prospective models based on particular features which ultimately make or break these kinds of subs. The following are important features that anyone looking to purchase a 10″ subwoofer should always put into consideration.

Power

This is the single most important characteristic of any subwoofer. Measured in watts, the power output( aka RMS power) essentially makes or breaks a sub. If you intend to build a sound system that blows right off the charts, the subwoofer power output has got to be impressive. Needless to say, when it comes to power, more is always better.

Notably, it is important that your subwoofer RMS power matches that of the amp in use. Underpowering a sub can easily and rapidly damage it.

Frequency Range

Often brought across in terms of the sub’s crossover, this explains the lowest frequency this device can comfortably hit. 10″ subwoofers generally have a wide frequency range. This typically makes them awfully flexible when it comes to various types of audio files. A wider frequency range is an undeniable plus to any hard-hitting audio system.

Sensitivity

Subwoofer sensitivity goes hand in hand with its overall power output. A higher sensitivity rating means better sound production with less power. In short, the higher the sensitivity rating the better the output delivery.

Price

I am not one to judge a product by its price but in this case, it is more or less a necessity. Subwoofers are a big time investment; unfortunately, good 10″ subwoofers often mean digging deep into one’s pockets.

Even so, there are affordable 10″ subs that work as diligently as their more expensive counterparts do. Depending on your desired features, the price is a major determinant of the subwoofer model you end up with.

As seen above, 10″ subwoofer are light and compact yet incredibly powerful. If you want a hard-hitting, ground shaking system, it might be a good idea to get yourself one of these bad boys.

With the much that has been said, it is a time we got down to the grey matter at hand. What are some of the best 10″ subwoofer models today? What incredible capabilities do they hold? Let’s find out.

Conclusion

To wrap this up, I think we can all agree that 10″ subs have quite a lot to offer. With a wide variety of models to pick from, a huge pool of featuring capabilities to offer, buying one of these beasts is anything but easy.

You may have to work a little harder to find the right 10″ sub. Hopefully, the above guide will make your search way easier and much faster than it would have initially been.

Mar 4, 2018Vincent T

*Any prices mentioned in the article were at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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